Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of my life in London. While this duration may not be extensive, I’ve gained some valuable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of choices before them. Both student residences and private rentals offer an assortment of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, examine available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aspired to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones comprising the most central areas. London features an impressive transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize transportation expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train company. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, considerably lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was indispensable for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, offering a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, dive into cultural enclaves, and savor the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.